Idukki: Two more bodies were found on Sunday in a search for those missing in the Pettimudi tragedy. The bodies of Chinnathai (62) and Muthulakshmi (22) were found near the Gravel Bank Cement Bridge in Nallathanniyar. The death toll rose to 58. According to Kannandevan Company, 12 more people are yet to be found.
Forest watchman Murukesan’s dogs helped the search team to find Chinnathai’s body on Sunday. The first body was found during a search of the area after noticing dogs barking unusually from the riverbank where the body was found. The second body was found near the same place.
The search was mainly focused on the river on Sunday. The search is being led by firefighters, police, and the Disaster Management Force with the help of locals who have a clear understanding of the river. The search for the river will be intensified from tomorrow by removing the soil and stones that were washed away in the landslide.
The search for the riverbank focused on the fact that more bodies were found along the riverbank. The Dog Squad also arrived at the scene to intensify the search. Five dogs from the Dog Squad in Ernakulam and Idukki districts have been brought to the rescue team.
